Pattern grading apparatus

ABSTRACT

A pattern grading machine includes a pair of lazy-tong linkages each mounting a row of spaced, parallel pattern-supporting bars for longitudinal sliding movement. A slotted positioning bar interconnects the pattern-supporting bars in each row and a manually movable control bar interconnects the positioning bars and the lazy-tong linkages for selective lateral spacing of said pattern-supporting bars through actuation of said lazy-tong linkages and relative longitudinal movement of said patternsupporting bars in a predetermined ratio through movement of said positioning bars.

United States Patent Roth [54] PATTERN GRADING APPARATUS [72] inventor:Mlkulas M. Roth, Apartado del Este 50, 474 Caracas, Venezuela [1513,683,504 [451 Aug. 15, 1972 Primary Examiner-Leonard Fol-man Assistantfixanuner Dennis A. Dearing Attorney-Edward F. Levy {57] ABSTRACT Apattern grading machine includes a pair of lazy-tong linkages eachmounting a row of spaced, parallel pattem-supporting bars forlongitudinal sliding movement. A slotted positioning bar interconnectsthe pattem-supporting bars in each row and a manually movable controlbar interconnects the positioning bars and the lazy-tong linkages forselective lateral spacing of said pattem-supporting bars throughactuation of said lazy-tong linkages and relative longitudinal movementof said pattern-supporting bars in a predetermined ratio throughmovement of said positioning bars.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures Patented Aug. 15, 1972 3,683,504

2 Sheets-Sheet l Patented Aug. 15, 1972 3,683,504

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIGS.

MIKULAS M. H

PATTERN GRADING APPARATUS In the commercial mass production of garmentsand articles of wearing apparel, a plurality of pre-formed panels aresewn together to form the individual garments. The panels are generallymultiple cut from a stack of superimposed layers of the fabric formingthe garment, the topmost layer having traced thereon from correspondingpatterns, outlines of the respective panels, the patterns having beenarranged on the stack in the most compact manner to effect the maximumefficiency of fabric employment. The patterns for the garment panelsvary in shape depending upon the size as well as the style of therespective garment. It has been the practice to cut the master patternsto correspond to the panels forming the original garment, and to lay outand cut the patterns for garments of sizes differing from the samplegarment by employing the master pattern as a guide, the other patternsvarying in their longitudinal and girth or transverse dimensions fromthe master pattern in predetermined ratios in accordance with therelationship of the pattern sizes and the positions of the variouspoints along the edges of the patterns. The manufacture of the variousproduction of graded patterns from the master pattern has heretoforebeen a time consuming procedure, requiring highly skilled labor andhence being expensive and significantly contributing to the cost of thegarment. Many types of equipment have been proposed for facilitating andexpediting the production of graded patterns from master patterns butthese have done little to remedy the deficiencies of the earlierpractices. The equipment heretofore available was complicated, andrequired a high degree of skill in its use, frequently resulting in theproduction of improperly shaped graded patterns and otherwise leavingmuch to be desired.

It is, therefore, a principal object of the present invention to providean improved apparatus for producing patterns for the manufacture ofgarments and articles of wearing apparel.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedapparatus for producing sets of size related garment patterns.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improvedpattern grading apparatus.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improvedpattern grading apparatus capable of positioning a master pattern with aplurality of superimposed duplicating sheets in any desired spacialrelationship by the use of a single control member.

Still a further object of the present invention is to provide animproved pattern grading apparatus including a programming member bywhich the required spacial relationships of the master pattern andduplicating sheets are indicated and facilitated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus ofthe above nature characterized by its ruggedness, simplicity,adaptability, versatility and ease of use.

The above and other objects of the present invention will becomeapparent from a reading of the following description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a top plan fragmentary view of a pattern grading apparatusembodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in use and illustratedin its centrally adjusted position; and

FIGS. 4 and 5 are views similar to FIG. 3 and illustrating the apparatusin differently adjusted positions.

In a sense, the present invention contemplates the provisions of apattern grading apparatus comprising a plurality of longitudinallyspaced, transversely extending parallel bars, a sheet engaging elementmounted on each of said bars, means for restricting the relativelongitudinal movement of said bars to a substantially constantpredetermined ratio, means for restricting the relative transversemovement of said bars to a substantially constant ratio, and a commoncontrol member for effecting the transverse and longitudinal movement ofsaid bars.

According to a preferred form of the present pattern grading apparatusthere is provided a base member on which is mounted a pair of laterallyspaced longitudinally aligned lazy-tong linkages, the lazy-tong linkagesbeing anchored to the base member by longitudinally aligned pivot pins,each connecting a corresponding pair of the lazy-tong links. Mediallydisposed longitudinal guides are located on the base member andfollowers carried by the lazy-tongs remote from the anchoring pivotingpins slidably engage the longitudinal guides to restrict the lazy-tonglinkages to longitudinal movements attendant to the contraction andexpansion thereof. A plurality of regularly longitudinally-spaced pairsof transversely aligned guide elements are mounted on the lazy-tonglinkages and engage correspondingly spaced transverse bars restrictingthem to transverse movement relative to the respective guides, each ofthe bars carrying a sheet engaging member and a follower element. Apositioning bar is swingably connected to each of the anchoring pivotsand is provided with a longitudinal slot slidably engaging the slide barfollower elements, the positioning bars are connected by a cross barwhich maintains them mutually parallel while permitting their pivotalmovement. A control bar interconnects a pair of corresponding slide barscarried by the opposite lazy-tong linkages and is movable therewith toeffect similar concurrent adjustment of the lazy-tong linkages and slidebar sets. A relatively stationary programming board is provided havingtransversely and longitudinally spaced apertures and the control barcarries a pin element which is movable into selective engagement withthe programming board apertures.

Referring now to the drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, the reference numeral 10 generally designates theimproved pattern grading apparatus which comprises a housing 12including a rectangular base defining wall 14, a top wall 16 having amedially located rectangular opening 18 formed therein, and a front wall20 having a pair of longitudinally spaced aligned longitudinal slots 22formed therein. Located in the housing 12 and mounted on the base 14 area pair of longitudinal or laterally spaced, longitudinally alignedsimilar lazytong linkages 24 and 26 respectively which are illustratedas being of the compound type, it being understood that simple lazy-tonglinkages may be employed as well.

Each of the lazy-tong linkages 24 and 26 includes a first pair ofsymmetrical relatively short links 28 which are pivoted at their innerends to a corresponding vertical pin 30 which is affixed to the base 14thereby effecting the anchoring of the lazy-tong linkages thereto.Pivotally connected to the outer ends of the links 28 by pins 32 are apair of relatively long links 34 which are approximately twice thelength of the link 28. The long links 34 intersect and are pivotallyconnected at their mid-points by a pin 36 which is in longitudinalalignment with the pivot pin 30 and terminate at points in longitudinalalignment with the outer ends of the short links 28. A pair of longlinks 38, slightly shorter than the links 34 intersect each other atabout their midpoints and intersect and are pivotally connected to thelinks 28 by pins 40 substantially midway between the pins 30 and 32 andintersect and are pivotally connected to the links 34 by pins 42substantially midway between the pins 32 and 36. The outer ends of thelinks 38 are in longitudinal alignment with the inner ends of the links34 and are connected by short links 44 to the links 34 at points aboutmidway between the pins 36 and the outer ends of the links 34.

Underlying each of the lazy-tong linkages 24 and 26 and affixed to thebase 14 is a longitudinally extending channel shaped track member 46which is medially located relative to the lazy-tong linkages. The tracks46 are slidably engaged by respective follower defining pins 36 torestrict the lazy tong linkages to a longitudinal movement which isattendant to the contraction and expansion of the lazy-tong linkages. Itshould be noted that the ratios of the longitudinal spacings betweenpredetermined points on each of the lazy-tong linkages remainssubstantially constant and independent of the degree of expansion orcontraction of the lazy-tong linkage.

A plurality of longitudinally equally spaced pairs of transverselyaligned channel-shaped guide members 48 are mounted on the lazy-tonglinkages 24 and 26, the pairs being located at the pivot pins 40, 32, 42and 36, and at the intersections of the links 34 and 44 and at the outerends of the links 34. An elongated bar 50 slidably engages each pair oftransversely spaced guide members 48 and is retained therein byoverlying lips 52 integrally formed with the respective guide members48. The bars 50 project transversely forwardly of the housing 12 throughthe slots 22 and are parallel to each other and the spacing betweensuccessive slide bars 50 are equal. A stationary bar 54, parallel to theslide bars 50, is affixed at its trailing end to the base 14 and is intransverse alignment with each of the anchoring pins 30.

A sheet clamp 56 is mounted on the forward free end of each of the bars50 and 54 and comprises an L- shaped bracket including a horizontal leg58 underlying and separably attached to the free end of a respective bar50 and 54 by means of screws 60 and a vertical leg 62 depending from theforward edge of the leg 58. A horizontal first clamp arm 64 isintegrally formed with and projects forwardly of the bottom edge of thebracket leg 62, and a second clamp arm 66 overlies and extends along theclamp arm 64 and is suitably hinged at its trailing end to the bracketleg 62. A screw 68 is affixed to and projects upwardly from the clamparm 64 and registers with an opening in the clamp arm 66 and a fingermanipulatable nut 70 engages the screw 68 and permits the relativetightening and releasing of thecooperating clamp arms 64 and 66.

Projecting upwardly from each of the slide bars 50 is a followerdefining pin 72 which slidably engages an elongated track defining slot74 formed in the positioning bar 76 hinged at an end thereof to each ofthe anchor pins 30. Each of the positioning bars 76 is provided at itspivotal point with a rearwardly directed horizontal arm 78 which isperpendicular to the bar 76 and the free ends thereof are interconnectedby a cross link 80. It should be noted that the positioning bars 76 areswingable about the respective pivots 30 and are maintained in mutualparallelism by the arms 78 and cross link 80. Moreover, with theswinging of the positioning bars 76, and bars 50 are transversely movedalong their lengths, the difference in movement between successive barsbeing equal, whereby the ratio of their movements is substantiallyconstant and the transverse movement of corresponding bars of theopposite sets thereof carried by the lazy-tong linkages 24 and 26 arethe same.

A longitudinal control bar 82 is connected between a pair ofcorresponding slide bars 50 carried by the lazytongs 24 and 26 and islongitudinally and transversely movable. The transverse movement of thecontrol bar 82 adjusts the transverse positions of the control barinterconnected slide bars 50, and hence the transverse positions of allthe slide bars 50 by means of the concurrently swung positioning bars 76in the manner described above. The longitudinal movement of the controlbar 82 effects the longitudinal adjustment of the positions of the slidebars 50 by the corresponding contraction or expansion of the lazy-tonglinkages 24 and 26.

In order to facilitate the proper positioning of the slide bars 50 inrelation to the master pattern of which graded patterns are to beproduced, there is provided a programming board or plate 84 mounted onthe upper face of the housing top wall 16 along the rear edge of theopening 18. The plate 84 has a plurality of longitudinally andtransversely spaced positioning sockets or apertures 86 formed therein.

An upwardly directed handle member 88 is mounted on the control bar 82between its ends and is provided with a rearwardly directed arm 90 of alength slightly greater than the depth of the board 84 and disposedshortly above the level of the board 84. A bell crank is pivoted at itsknuckle to the trailing upper face of the arm 90 for swinging about alongitudinal axis and includes a horizontal arm extending medially alongthe length of the arm 90 and an upwardly rearwardly inclined arm 94disposed along the rear face of the handle 88. The arm 92 terminates atits free end in a depending peg or pin 96 which slidably register with avertical bore formed in the end of the arm 90 and is adapted toreleasably engage selected of the programming sockets 86.

In employing the pattern grading apparatus described above in producinga group of graded patterns from a master pattern M, the master pattern Mis placed into clamping engagement with a pair of corresponding sheetclamp members 56 which are then tightened by means of the nuts 70. Themaster pattern M is locked in the clamp members 56 so that itslongitudinal axis which may be delineated by the clamped edge thereof isparallel to the longitudinal axis of the apparatus 10 and the masterpattern M is engaged by the pair of clamp members which correspond insize to the master pattern M. Thus, in the example illustrated in FIGS.3 to 5 of the drawing, the stationary bars 54 correspond to a size 20and the succeeding slide bars of each set correspond to sizes 18, 16,14, 12, and 8 respectively. The master pattern M, being shown as a size16, is engaged by a pair of slide bars 50 second from the fixed bars 54,which as aforesaid, correspond to size 16. A duplicating blank sheet Swhich may be of a conventional stiff paper is engaged by eachcorresponding pair of clamp members 56 and stacked in slidingsuperimposed relationship underlying the master pattern M.

The master pattern M contains a series of points which defines the shapethereof, such as the opposite ends of a straight edge which delineatesthe respective edge, a plurality of points along a curved edge whichdelineates such curved edge, a pair of suitably located points fordelineating a slit, etc. For each of such points on the master patternM, a corresponding point is required on each of the sheets S which isrelated to the master pattern defining points in accordance with theposition thereof on the master pattern and the size of the gradedpattern. The programming sockets 86 are suitably identified to berelated to the master pattern defining points and the operator merelyadjusts the handle 88 to bring the pin 96 into engagement withsuccessive sockets 86 corresponding to respective master patterndefining points and with each such engagement, the operator punches, bymeans of a awl or the like, a hole through the respective master patterndefining point and the underlying sheets S. When holes have been punchedin the above manner corresponding to all of the master pattern definingpoints, the sheets S are separated from the slide bars 50 and the gradedpatterns cut therefrom as delineated and defined by the holes punchedtherein. Since the sheets S and master pattern M are positioned for thepunching of each hole in a relationship corresponding to that of therespective points in correspondingly graded patterns, the hole definedpatterns are graded replicas of the master pattern. By reason of thecorrect relative positioning of the sheets S and the master pattern Mbeing effected by the movement of a single control member, and aprogramming board being provided to correlate the movement of thecontrol member with the positions of the points being punched, a minimumof skill is required to accurately and properly operate the presentapparatus at maximum efficiency.

In accordance with an alternative and preferred rapid and simpleprocedure for cutting the graded patterns along projected linescorresponding to the lines delineating the master pattern M, therelative positions of the sheets S and master pattern M are successivelyadjusted by bringing the pin 96 into registry with successive sockets 86whereby the sheets 15 and master pattern M are related so that thedelineating edges of the master pattern M overlie and are oriented withthe projected corresponding delineating edges of the graded patterns onthe sheets S underlying the master pattern M. With each adjustment ofthe apparatus as aforesaid, the superimposed sheets S are cut along aline of the master pattern M corresponding to the adjustment of theapparatus. The aforesaid step repeated until the full outline of themaster pattern M has been cut in its apparatus projected forms on theunderlying sheets S to produce the corresponding graded patterns.

While the drawings show the grading apparatus as having six slide bars50 associated with each of the two lazy tong linkages, it is to beunderstood that this number is shown merely for convenience ofillustration. In an actual preferred commercial embodiment, theapparatus is supplied with 24 slide bars 50 in addition to thestationary bar 54 for each lazy tong. In FIG. 1, the upper portions oflinks 28, 34 and 38 of the right hand lazy tong assembly are shownprovided with holes 98 for the mounting of guide members 48 which wouldreceive the additional slide bars. This means that 25 pattern sheetscould be supported on the apparatus, but in actual grading practice, 25sheets will not be used at one time. The provision of this number ofslide bars, however, permits the apparatus to be used for all standardgrading sizes, for example, l-inch grading, l 5&- inch grading and2-inch grading, by mounting the pattern sheets upon selected slide bars,as will be presently explained. If the apparatus is to be used for onlyone size grading, the superfluous slide bars may be easily slid out ofthe lazy tong linkage and removed from the apparatus. The arrangementillustrated in FIG. 1 shows every fourth slide bar mounted on the lazytong linkage, such arrangement being used when only 2-inch grading isrequired, as will be presently explained.

In the aforementioned preferred commercial embodiment, the apertures 86in the programming plate 84 are spaced from each other by a distance ofthreeeighths inch. Since there are eight apertures on either side ofboth center lines of apertures which represent the null or startingposition of the pattern sheets wherein the latter are all in alignedrelationship, it will be apparent that the pin 96 can be moved in anydirection from the center line by one aperture or distance ofthree-eighths inch, and a maximum of eight apertures or a distance of 3inches.

The most common grading in commercial use is 2- inch grading. This meansthat in the course of the grading operation, the patterns are staggeredwith relation to each other by distances from one-sixteenth to onehalfinch, but in different directions. By way of example, in conventional2-inch grading, the patterns are staggered up one-eighth inch andone-sixteenth inch and a first cut is made. The patterns are thenstaggered out one-fourth inch and a second cut made, etc.

If the apparatus is to be used to cut patterns tin 2 inch grading, themaster pattern and the pattern sheets are mounted on the first(stationary) bar 54, and upon the fifth, ninth, l3, 19, 71 and 29 slidebars 50 of each set. Thus, six pattern sheets in addition to the masterpattern are used and are mounted on every fourth bar. The sheets areinitially in registry, as shown in FIG. 3 and the pin 96 is located inthe center or null aperture of the programming plate 84. If the operatornow moves the pin one aperture to the right, for example, or a distanceof three-eighths inch, the last movable slide bar 50 away from thestationary bar 54 by a distance of three-eighths inch, and the lazy tonglinkage will cause the other bars to move proportionately decreasingdistances away from the stationary bar 54, with the result that the 24slide bars will be moved away from each other by a distance of onesixty-fourth inch. However, since the pattern sheets are supported byevery fourth bar, the pattern sheets will be staggered relative to oneanother by a distance of one-sixteenth inch. If the pin is moved to theright by eight apertures, or 3 inches, the six pattern sheets will bestaggered by a distance of one-half inch. Thus, the programming boardapertures permit grading of the pattern sheets in any direction betweenthe limits of one-half inch and one-sixteenth inch because of the mannerin which the sheets are mounted for a 2-inch grading operation.

The operator can, therefore, follow the usual grading procedure asexplained above, by moving the pin 96 in the appropriate direction andby the correct amount of apertures, and multiple grading will beautomatically accomplished with each pattern being precisely staggeredby the correct distance. It will also be observed that if the gradingstep calls for the pattern to be staggered up one-fourth inch and inone-sixteenth inch, this can be accomplished by a single movement of thepin angularly across the panel to the proper aperture, as indicated inFIG. 4.

In addition to two inch grading, many garment manufacturing plantsrequire other size gradings such as 1- inch gradings, 1 %-inch gradings,and even x-inch gradings for children s clothing. Up to the presenttime, no grading machine has been capable of permitting gradings indifferent sizes without factory modifications of its internal mechanism.The instant apparatus not only permits gradings in any desired sizes butalso permits different size gradings for different pattern sheets in thesame operation.

For example, if it is desired to achieve l-inch grading, the patternsare mounted on every other bar instead of on every fourth bar. Movementof the pin 96 by eight apertures or a total of 3 inches will now causean overlap between each of the pattern sheets by onefourth inch.Movement of the pin by a single aperture will cause pattern sheetstaggering of one thirty-second inch. Similarly, to accomplish l ya-inchgrading, the pattern sheets are mounted on every third bar of the 25bars.

An important advantage of the apparatus of the present invention is itsavailability to grading operators who are skilled only in 2-inchgrading. If called upon to perform l-inch grading, for example, theyordinarily would not know the proper measurements for staggering thepattern sheets. With the instant apparatus, however, they need only beinstructed to mount the patterns upon the proper slide bars. Once thepattern sheets are properly mounted, they operate the programming pin inexactly the same manner as for 2-inch grading and the apparatusautomatically compensates and produces perfect l-inch grading.

Another feature of the apparatus is its ability to produce combinationsof gradings in one operation. For example, it is often required inwomen's clothing that l-inch grading be used between sizes 8 and 10, 1v-inch grading between sizes 10 and 12, and 2-inch grading between sizes12 and 16. This combination of gradings can be accomplishedsimultaneously in one operation of the apparatus, by merely mounting thepattern sheets on appropriate slide bars of the available 25 bars.

While there has been described and illustrated a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, it is apparent that numerous alterations,omissions and additions may be made without departing from the spiritand scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. A pattern grading apparatus comprising a base member having alongitudinal guide, a lazy-tong linkage including a link pivot anchoredto said base member and a transversely medially located followerengaging said guide to limit movement of said lazy-tong linkage toexpansion and contraction in a first direction toward and away from saidlink pivot, a plurality of spaced sheet support bars mounted at spacedintervals on said lazy-tong linkage and individually slidable relativethereto in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, asheet gripping element mounted on each of said sheet support bars, apositioning member pivoted to said lazy-tong linkage at said anchoredlink pivot and provided with an elongated track, follower membersmounted on each of said bars and slidably engaging said track forsimultaneous sliding movement of said sheet support bars on saidlazy-tong linkage in a predetermined ratio in response to pivotingmovement of said positioning member, and a single control memberconnected to one of said sheet support bars and being manually movablein said first direction to vary the spacing between said sheet supportbars, and in said second direction to pivot said positioning bar.

2. A pattern grading apparatus according to claim 1 in which said basemember has a second longitudinal guide, a second lazy-tong linkagespaced from and aligned with said first lazy-tong linkage, said secondlazy-tong linkage including a corresponding link pivot anchored to saidbase member and a transversely medially located follower engaging saidsecond guide to limit movement of said second lazy-tong linkage toexpansion and contraction in said first direction, a second plurality ofspaced sheet support bars mounted on said second lazy-tong linkage forindividual sliding movement relative thereto in said second directionand each mounting a sheet gripping element, a second positioning memberpivoted to the anchored link pivot of said second lazy-tong linkage andprovided with an elongated track, follower members mounted on saidsecond plurality of sheet support bars and slidably engaging the trackof said second positioning member, a cross link operatively pivotallyconnected between said positioning members to maintain said tracksmutually parallel, said control member extending between a pair ofcorresponding bars of said first and second plurality of sheet supportbars.

3. The pattern grading apparatus of claim 2 including a relativelystationary programming member provided with a plurality of spacedindicia and a follower element carried by and movable with said controlmember and movable into selective registry with said indicia tocorrespondingly position said bars.

4. The pattern grading apparatus of claim 3 wherein said programmingmember comprises a plate having longitudinally and transversely spacedapertures formed therein and said follower element comprises a pininsertable into said apertures.

5. The pattern grading apparatus of claim 3 wherein guide members aremounted on corresponding transversely aligned points on said lazy-tonglinkages, said bars slidably engaging respective transversely alignedpairs of said guide members.

6. The pattern grading apparatus of claim 3 including a pair oflongitudinally spaced bars affixed to said base member in transversealignment with said lazy-tong anchoring pivots and mounting sheetsupport elements.

7. The pattern grading apparatus of claim 2 in which each of the bars ofthe first plurality of sheet support bars is paired with a correspondingbar of the second plurality of bars, the bars of each of said pairsbeing adapted to move to the same extent in said first and seconddirections, each of said pair of bars supporting a single sheet, one ofwhich sheets is a master pattern, said bars moving said sheets relativeto each other and to said master pattern to selected staggered gradingpositions in response to manual movement of said control member.

ill

1. A pattern grading apparatus comprising a base member having alongitudinal guide, a lazy-tong linkage including a link pivot anchoredto said base member and a transversely medially located followerengaging said guide to limit movement of said lazy-tong linkage toexpansion and contraction in a first direction toward and away from saidlink pivot, a plurality of spaced sheet support bars mounted at spacedintervals on said lazy-tong linkage and individually slidable relativethereto in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction, asheet gripping element mounted on each of said sheet support bars, apositioning member pivoted to said lazy-tong linkage at said anchoredlink pivot and provided with an elongated track, follower membersmounted on each of said bars and slidably engaging said track forsimultaneous sliding movement of said sheet support bars on saidlazy-tong linkage in a predetermined ratio in response to pivotingmovement of said positioning member, and a single control memberconnected to one of said sheet support bars and being manually movablein said first direction to vary the spacing between said sheet supportbars, and in said second direction to pivot said positioning bar.
 2. Apattern grading apparatus according to claim 1 in which said base memberhas a second longitudinal guide, a second lazy-tong linkage spaced fromand aligned with said first lazy-tong linkage, said second lazy-tonglinkage including a corresponding link pivot anchored to said basemember and a transversely medially located follower engaging said secondguide to limit movement of said second lazy-tong linkage to expansionand contraction in said first direction, a second plurality of spacedsheet support bars mounted on said second lazy-tong linkage forindividual sliding movement relative thereto in said second directionand each mounting a sheet gripping element, a second positioning memberpivoted to the anchored link pivot of said second lazy-tong linkage andprovided with an elongated track, follower members mounted on saidsecond plurality of sheet support bars and slidably engaging the trackof said second positioning member, a cross link operatively pivotallyconnected between said positioning members to maintain said tracksmutually parallel, said control member extending between a pair ofcorresponding bars of said first and second plurality of sheet supportbars.
 3. The pattern grading apparatus of claim 2 including a relativelystationary programming member provided with a plurality of spacedindicia and a follower element carried by and movable with said controlmember and movable into selective registry with said indicia tocorrespondingly position said bars.
 4. The pattern grading apparatus ofclaim 3 wherein said programming member comprises a plate havinglongitudinally and transversely spaced apertures formed therein and saidfollower element comprises a pin insertable into said apertures.
 5. Thepattern graDing apparatus of claim 3 wherein guide members are mountedon corresponding transversely aligned points on said lazy-tong linkages,said bars slidably engaging respective transversely aligned pairs ofsaid guide members.
 6. The pattern grading apparatus of claim 3including a pair of longitudinally spaced bars affixed to said basemember in transverse alignment with said lazy-tong anchoring pivots andmounting sheet support elements.
 7. The pattern grading apparatus ofclaim 2 in which each of the bars of the first plurality of sheetsupport bars is paired with a corresponding bar of the second pluralityof bars, the bars of each of said pairs being adapted to move to thesame extent in said first and second directions, each of said pair ofbars supporting a single sheet, one of which sheets is a master pattern,said bars moving said sheets relative to each other and to said masterpattern to selected staggered grading positions in response to manualmovement of said control member.
 8. The pattern grading apparatus ofclaim 7 which also includes a stationary programming member comprising aplate affixed to said base member, said plate having longitudinally andtransversely spaced apertures forward therein, and a follower elementcarried by and movable with said control member and including a pinselectively insertable into said apertures, said apertures being spacedfrom each other by distances corresponding to selected staggered gradingpositions of said sheets and master pattern.